Life

Q&A: Dial in Your Best Distance

Can't decide on what race distance suits you? These self-evaluation questions will help you get started down the right path.

by Carrie Barrett

Like always, I was reduced to a tissue-clenching, lump-in-the- throat, inspired pool of tears while watching this year's broadcast of the GoPro IRONMAN World Championship in Kona. As if it weren't enough to watch the pros go beyond their limits with epic performances (go Rinny!), there were also the human interest pieces that continue to make this sport bigger than life and breathe fire into the everyman triathlete who hopes of crossing the finish line someday. I was moved by the story of Chris McDonnell who raced in memory of his daughter, Grace, killed in the Sandy Hook shooting. I cheered watching an athlete finish the swim and then get pulled out of the water and carried towards his bike because he didn't have legs. I held my breath until 78-year-old Harriet Anderson crossed the finish line with just minutes to spare. Each athlete, from elite to lottery winner, had their story to tell and a motivation to be here.

As a USAT Coach, one of the questions I'm asked most often is, "Do you think I can do an IRONMAN someday?" My immediate response is, "Absolutely," followed quickly by, "but are you willing and motivated to sacrifice a lot to get there?" Athletes immediately think of the physical challenges and the self-imposed limits they set for themselves. The examples above show that there are actually very few physical limitations to completing a triathlon, or even an IRONMAN. What athletes don't always think about are the many other important factors that can determine your optimum distance.

My new e-book Decide Your Distance, Focus on the Finish walks athletes through this process of selecting the right distance and/or course based on their individual goals, motivations and lifestyle. Chapter topics include financial resources, time availability, location, course profiles, physical strengths, weaknesses, long-term goals and the most important factor of them all, motivation.

Below is an excerpt from the book. These paragraphs discuss motivation, complete with a few self-evaluation questions. Answering the questions honestly and completely will uncover motivations, obstacles, fears, and even life-long goals. Even if you have to delay a particular race distance to a more advantageous time, rest assured, the sport of triathlon is going strong with new races and courses sprouting up all over the globe!

Excerpt: Decide Your Distance, Focus on the Finish

How Big is Your Get Up and Go?

If you're contemplating signing up for a triathlon, chances are you have reasons you want to compete. Perhaps someone at work dared you or you want to recapture your youthful energy. You may want to qualify for the world championship or race at a professional level. Perhaps your reasons are philanthropic, and you are training to raise money for a charity. You may be registering for health reasons or weight loss. Regardless, know your list of "whys" because you will come back to this list often when you feel unmotivated, stuck, apathetic, or tired. (Yes, you will experience all these feelings on your triathlon journey). If you don't know why you're doing it, you'll be less likely to see it to completion. The more you can express your reasons, the more you'll be willing to sacrifice. This is especially true as race distances grow, and the time commitment and costs increase.

Self-Evaluation Questions:

1) Why do I want to train for a triathlon?

2) Are my reasons compelling enough to get me through a grueling training season?

3) What obstacles do I foresee?

4) How does this race play into my long-term plans?

5) Do I have a history of starting projects and not finishing them?

6) What do I want to learn along this journey?

7) Am I willing to create positive habits that promote success?

Honesty is the Best Policy

Be honest with yourself about your athletic aptitude and experience. You may excel as a runner, but if you've never swum before, you may need regular coached sessions. Some people relish constructive criticism and assessments. Others become discouraged when they feel awkward, slow, or inefficient. The more apt you are at each of the disciplines, the more comfortable it will be to race longer distances. Ultimately, check your ego at the door, and be open to learn several new skill sets. Successful training involves patience and time, and if you are starting from ground zero, aim first for a shorter distance race to gain experience and confidence. Learn what your body is capable of before you plunge into ultra-distance racing.

Self-Evaluation Questions:

1. Do I enjoy swimming, biking, and running?

2. In which discipline am I strongest?

3. In which discipline am I weakest?

4. Do I have the time and enthusiasm to learn a new skill set?

5. Do I have the diligence and patience to keep working even if my progress is slow?

6. Does my current physical health place limitations on my abilities?

7. Am I realistic about my expectations based on my current health?

8. Can I physically go the distances that I want to race?

Triathlons can be daunting! Three vastly distinct disciplines come together in an array of quick transitions and equipment changes to form one exciting and addictive sport. For some, just crossing the finish line of a race can provide a lifetime of pride.

As your confidence grows, so does experience and even speed. Some feel the urge to go long. Some like the more immediate results of short-distance races. As you go about your distance decision process, ask yourself the questions above to make sure you stay aligned with your purpose and goals. Most importantly, make sure to have fun, and enjoy the journey—the true roots of this sport.

Carrie Barrett is a USAT Level 1 Certified Coach and freelance writer based in Austin, Texas. To learn more or to download the e-book, visit babybirdguide.com/triathlon